J Engelsma Orchards
Location: Walker, MI
Grower: Jim Engelsma
Website: applebarn.com
Social Media: Engelsma’s Apple Barn
Jim Engelsma’s grandfather George bought an 80-acre farm in 1920 and began farming 18 dairy cows and 35 acres of raspberries and other vegetables on the land that is now called J Engelsma Orchards, Inc. Jim’s father was the first person to plant apple trees on their land. Currently, Jim farms 145 acres of apples and peaches, and his fresh apple cider has won many awards over the years.
Meet J Engelsma Orchards:
Jim Engelsma has dedicated 31 years to the fruit industry, a legacy that traces back to his father planting the first apple trees on the family farm in 1950. The farm, known as J Engelsma Orchards, Inc., has been a focal point in Jim’s life since he began working full-time on the farm after graduating from Grandville High School in 1983. The family-oriented ethos continues with Jim’s wife Becky, son James, and daughters Rochelle, Bridget, Sonja, and Nicole Sunniva.
The farm’s history is steeped in tradition, with Jim’s father building cold storage in 1956 and installing a fresh packing line a year later. The inaugural packed apples were sold by “Ma” Brown. Currently, Jim’s fresh market fruit is distributed through Jack Brown Produce, while processing apples find their way to Sill Farm Market.
Embracing New Technology:
The future of J Engelsma Orchards, Inc. is rooted in maintaining high-quality standards rather than pursuing growth that sacrifices quality for volume. He envisions the farm as a family-centric operation, emphasizing the progressive nature of fruit production and relishing the opportunity to face new challenges each year.
Jim acknowledges the industry’s hurdles, citing the need for a substantial, legal workforce capable of manual labor as one of the foremost challenges for growers. Additionally, the cost of implementing cutting-edge fruit production methods poses a considerable challenge. Jim remains open to embracing new technology and insists on its efficiency and positive impact.
Spending Time Together:
Away from the orchard, Jim and his family find joy in spending time on Lake Michigan and indulging in downhill skiing during the winter months. Notably, three of his children—James, Sonja, and Nicole Sunniva—are avid triathletes, further embodying the Engelsma family’s active and diverse interests. Jim’s commitment to family values, dedication to quality, and openness to industry progress reflect a lifelong journey in the fruit industry.
